The Dow rose 18 points to 15470. The S&P 500 Index gained over 4 points to 1680. The NASDAQ was up by 11 points to 3610.

The major averages traded in a tight range as investors analyzed Fed Chairman Bernanke’s testimony to Congress. His semiannual report revealed the central bank’s timetable for tapering its stimulus measures is not on a preset course and the Fed’s policy will remain accommodative as the economy recovers.

Wednesday’s economic data was on the back burner. Housing starts unexpectedly declined by 9.9% in June to nearly a one-year low and building permits also failed to meet expectations as they fell by 7.5%.

Overall, nine of the 10 sectors on the S&P finished in positive territory. Materials paced the advance as DuPont rallied 4.7% to $56.96. Financials also helped lift the market. Bank of America’s encouraging profit tally led the group higher as its shares increased 2.6% to $14.28. Utilities finished lower, dragged down by PG&E Corp’s 2.7% drop to $45.12. Technology also lagged behind. Yahoo’s 10.3% advance to $29.65 was overshadowed by index heavyweight Microsoft’s 1.6% retreat to $35.69. The sector will also garner attention after the close with earnings results due out from Intel and IBM.

NYSE Composite volume totaled over 3.1 billion shares. On the NYSE, advancers beat decliners by 2-1 on issues and on volume. The NASDAQ was 10-7 positive on issues and 11-6 positive on volume.

In fixed-income, Treasury prices advanced. The 10-year note was up 12/32 to yield 2.49% and the 30-year bond gained 7/32 to yield 3.57%.